5 'must-have' winter jacket styles: Your Personal Stylist

If you were to ask what is your "must-have" item, I'd respond overwhelmingly, "Jackets!" If you were to walk into my closet, half of it is consumed with jackets: denim jackets, leather jackets, blazers, puffers, long jackets, short jackets.

I recognize that owning a wardrobe of jackets isn't realistic for everyone, so here are the five jackets I feel you should own for this time of year.

It is important to have that one jacket that's dressy enough to wear on a special occasion but casual enough to pair with a sweater and jeans.

The key to finding the right style is to keep it simple. The more minimal you go with the design, the more it will pair with any style story you tell.

I recommend choosing a neutral color that flatters your skin tone and wardrobe. If you wear warmer tones, go with a shade of camel. If you prefer cooler tones, charcoal gray will complement.

You also want a style that is flattering to your figure, whether you choose a straight or shaped silhouette. There is no wrong shape as long as it skims your body and doesn't add visual bulk.

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Looking for a casual but still stylish winter jacket? Personal style coach Sara Dahlquist recommends a style like this Calvin Klein jacket. (Courtesy of Sara Dahlquist)

The casual but stylish jacket

About seven years ago I picked up a Calvin Klein military surplus style jacket from Macy's, on sale of course. It has a removable faux-fur collar and insulation. I have rocked this jacket every year since. It keeps me warm and dry but has yet to become obsolete.

It's for this reason I always suggest my clients have at least one casual but stylish version of a jacket. You want to look for a style that will suit your style story. Mine is a little rustic boho, so my faux-fur surplus complements my style. Yours may need to be preppy, like a pea coat, or more rock-and-roll, like a leather jacket. What's important is that this style functions for you but still flatters your figure.

When shopping for this jacket, wear the heaviest version of what you'd be styling it with so you can avoid an ill-fitting jacket when you put it on over your favorite chunky sweater.

No, I'm not ignorant to the fact that we live in a wet and cold environment, and yes, it's important to own a jacket that is weatherproof.

One element is imperative when shopping for this style of jacket: shape. You do not want to lose your shape in a baggy, oversized and unflattering style. Today labels such as Nau and Patagonia are making weatherproof jackets that are tailored to flatter. Select a color that brightens your day, whether that be a bold red or a subtle and classic blue.

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When shopping for a puffer coat, start by deciding whether you want a short or long version, like this Nau Oblique Down coat, says personal style coach Sara Dahlquist. (Courtesy of Sara Dahlquist)

The puffer

The puffer jacket is a hard one to ignore in our climate because it is just so warm. The puffiness can be unflattering, so make sure you're getting the right puffer.

The first thing to consider is whether you need a long or short style. Some individuals want to keep their body and legs warm. If this is the case, choose a jacket that falls no longer than right below your knee and be sure your jacket has a two-way zipper, allowing you room to walk.